A new form of cycle sport has arrived. With all the excitement of Formula 1 but none of the noise, danger or pollution, Karbykers hurtle round Grand Prix racing tracks. The low centre of gravity and wide track give incredible cornering capability, and the races are huge fun for participants and spectators alike.
The Karbyk was developed principally for competition, but there are three versions: the Race, Road, and Rent. They share the aluminium chassis, with a differential driving the rear wheels, and it is easy to upgrade from one model to another. The Road version is aimed at utility and touring use, while the Rent is a great machine for theme parks, hire outlets and tourist resorts. The padded seat is made from carbon fibre or fibreglass, and can tilt and slide to fit. Drum brakes on each of the rear wheels are controlled individually, letting the rider use the strength of both hands for maximum deceleration. 'Hose' couplings between axle and steering isolate the rider's hands from road shock.
The transmission on the Race and Road is a combination of 24-speed Shimano 105 and Grip-Shift; the Rent is a low-maintenance single-speed machine. Other than this, the main difference between the three models is wheel size: The Road has 20" and 24" wheels, the Rent 16" and 20" and the low-profile Race has 12" and 16". The wheelbase is 1360mm, and the overall length for the Race is 1708mm. Total weight is between 24 and 28kg.The Karbyk is available in a choice of ten colours, and accessories include mudguards, chain guard, lights, horn, and flag. A fairing and an electric-assist system are under development.
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